New inhabitants like the gargantuan Giganotosaurus, one of the largest and most powerful predators, join the cast of prehistoric inhabitants starring in DinoQuest 2 at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.

TAMPA – More than 20 life-sized and lifelike dinosaur replicas have roared into to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for DinoQuest2, the Zoo’s second outdoor exhibition of its kind, presented by Floridacentral Credit Union.

The dinosaurs debut March 2 with a preview for zoo pass holders on Feb. 28.

The cast of colossal creatures comes to life using sophisticated technology, advanced special effects, realistic movements and natural sounds in a lakeside forest setting. The experience is designed to encourage visitors to discover how the Earth was different 200 million years ago, and learn which present day animals have dinosaur ancestors.

“In the Zoo’s DinoQuest2 exhibition, guests will be immersed in a diverse group of animals that were the dominant vertebrates on our planet for over 160 million years,” said Craig Pugh, executive director and CEO. “We hope to engage and educate our visitors about the diversity of life on Earth by putting people in the picture – in this case, inviting guests to enter a world on the dinosaurs’ terms - to create a memorable and unique experience.”

More than half of the animatronic creatures are new to this second exhibition, along with some familiar faces from 2011. New inhabitants like the gargantuan Giganotosaurus, one of the largest and most powerful predators, and the well-known Stegosaurus, a long lizard-like herbivore, await guests at every turn in the outdoor trail. Encounter more than 20 primitive pals representing 15 species.

Zoo School programs have a Tyrannosaurus twist this spring as well with dinosaur-themed birthday parties, sleepovers, scout workshops and more.

DinoQuest daytime admission has a special attraction fee of $4 per person (ages 3 and up), in addition to Zoo admission (one-day ticket or annual Zoo Pass). For dinosaur enthusiasts, a Dino Discovery Club pass is available for $16 per person, which provides unlimited daytime access for the duration of the exhibition.

DinoNites admission is $9.95 per person (ages 2 and under are free) on select Friday and Saturday nights starting March 8. DinoNites admission is free for Zoo Pass holders.

The dinosaurs are designed and built by Billings Productions, North America’s leading provider of large animatronic dinosaurs for traveling and permanent exhibits. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo gratefully acknowledges the sponsors and partners who make this special exhibition possible: floridacentral Credit Union and Land Rover Tampa.

DinoQuest 2 opens to zoo pass holders on Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit is open March 1 to May 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48) and is open seven days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended hours on select nights during special events. Parking is free.